New Zealand Part 2:
There’s nothing better than going on a little getaway with some of your favourite people 🙂 and if you can find a place that’s exquisitely beautiful then you are winning on all levels. Our choice for our latest getaway was a ‘West Coast Road Trip’ to the gorgeous seaside/lagoon town called, Langebaan. It’s situated about 1 hour 20 minutes from Cape Town along the R27 or West Coast Road as its more aptly known which really is a stunning drive. Even though we’ve been having the worst drought in years, the hills were still green and the ocean was still blue and if you head up the route during spring time then the rolling hills are usually covered in beautiful flowers which makes for an even better drive. Langebaan is jam packed with things to do like sailing, kite-surfing, kayaking and waterskiing, golfing, horseriding, fishing, cycling and so much more so it’s really great for people with kids and without kids. With it being Winter, we thought that we were going to have miserable weather all weekend but it seems that the sun Gods were shining down on us and everyday was warm and sunny which was just delightful.
New Zealand is totally sensational to look at… It really is. Feels like you’re staring at a photshopped image but yet can’t quite capture its authenticity in a picture (not for lack of trying, mind you)… I apologise up front for writing too much but sometimes the cup runeth over with the need to over-share 🙂 I have split this blog post up into 2 parts so I don’t leave you with too much to read over lunch…
First stop, Auckland.
I knew before I left South Africa that I would be eating my way through Australia, Masterchef-Style and quite frankly that is exactly what I did…
I have a very healthy relationship with food… well, love affair rather. I am in my happy place when I have myself surrounded by plates of (great) food, good company and a great vino.
The beauty of what Australia has mastered is their food philosophy. Urbanology of food, so to speak. These brilliant little cafes and restaurants you find hidden down alleys that you either find because a local has recommended it or you take the risk of walking into the unknown… Food is creative, seasonal with small menus and a whole lot of passion. Cool, alternative style music is played that makes you want to sit all day from brunch through to dinner sipping latte then cider then wine. I would, mind you, if it didn’t mean I couldn’t walk the streets to further experience the next alley or café or gallery…
I especially love the Asian influence on their food, gorgeous, fresh flavours. Australian food, I feel, isn’t one of any one thing but more an influence of the world.